ALAMEDA, Calif.—After missing the final nine games last season with a severe foot injury, Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden has returned in perhaps the best shape of his NFL career.

Given that, McFadden is primed for a career-best season, especially now that primary backup Michael Bush isn’t around to take away some of his carries. McFadden provided a sneak peek of what’s to come during the exhibition games, when he carved up defenses with huge yardage.

The Raiders' Darren McFadden will return from injury with a heavy workload waiting for him in Oakland's backfield. (AP Photo)

Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said he intends to use McFadden as the goal-line back in much the same way the Texans used Arian Foster in that role when Knapp was in Houston.

The other change is that McFadden will be used more as a receiver, often lined up wide. Former play-caller Hue Jackson got away from using McFadden much in a receiving role, but it’s something he excelled at early in his career.

NOTE: The Raiders bolstered their receiving corps by signing veteran Derek Hagan. Starter Denarius Moore is hobbled by a hamstring injury, and key backups Jacoby Ford and Juron Criner also are questionable for the regular-season opener Monday night against the Chargers. Hagan, who played six games with the Raiders last season and caught 11 passes, can step in right away and be a solid possession receiver for Oakland.